Earthly riches or heavenly treasures, which is more valuable?

Second Sunday of Pentecost

Second Edition

Gospel Luke 12:13–21 Guard Against All Covetousness

A man in the crowd said to Jesus, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” “What?” Jesus asked. “Am I appointed as a judge or arbitrator over you?” He said to them all, “Guard against all covetousness. No one’s life results from the abundance of his possessions.”

And he told them a parable:

“A rich man had a good harvest. He thought to himself, ‘What will I do? My harvest is no longer enough to store it.’ He said to himself, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my crops and all my goods. Then I will say to myself, ‘It is good for you to live, for you have good things laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and enjoy yourself.’ But God said to him, ‘You fool! This night your soul will be required of you. And whose will be the things you have provided?’

So it is with the one who stores up treasure for himself but does not treasure God.” (Luke 12:13–21, Second Edition)

Worldly Riches: Are They Really Valuable?

In our world, where financial success is often a difficult metric, the question arises: What is truly valuable? Jesus Christ has taught us deeply meaningful lessons that help us distinguish our earthly riches from heavenly treasures. In particular, Ecclesiastes 12:13–21 and Matthew 13:44–46 offer timeless metaphors that challenge us to consider our own values.

Our earthly riches often refer to material objects, such as money, possessions, and other material things. Jesus warns us against greed and materialism. He says, “Be on your guard against every form of greed.” Today, when the richest 26% of the United States own more than 50% of the land, this message feels timely.

Greed can have serious consequences. It can lead to isolation, dissatisfaction, and even spiritual malaise. Jesus says, “You will always have the poor with you,” and this is still true. There are still over 700 million people in the world who live in extreme poverty, without access to basic necessities such as food and health care.

The Parable of the Rich Man

Jesus tells a parable about a rich man who has a bountiful harvest from his land. The man decides to build up larger storehouses to provide for the future. He plans to live comfortably until God speaks to him and says, “You fool! This night your soul is required of you.” This parable shows how easy it is for a person to forget the fragility of life when he focuses only on his own well-being.

This does not mean that financial security is not important. Instead, Jesus teaches us to think about material things from a new perspective. Our earthly riches may disappear, but the heavenly treasures hidden in our hearts will remain. When we direct our thoughts and energies to the treasures of heaven, we find lasting peace and true meaning.

Heavenly Treasures: What Is Their Value?

Heavenly treasures are an insight into what makes our lives meaningful, based on the teachings of Jesus. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus compares heaven to a field where treasure is hidden. When a person finds the treasure, he sells everything and buys his field. This parable underscores the value of heavenly treasures. The man is willing to give up everything of worldly value in order to gain something eternal.

Another parable of the fine pearls describes the commercial life. A merchant searches for pearls of great value and finds one rare pearl, for which he sells everything. These examples remind us that the kingdom of God and its treasures are everlasting things that cannot be measured in money.

Why Choose Heavenly Treasures?

When we consider the choice between earthly riches and heavenly treasures, we need to consider what is truly important in our lives. Heavenly treasures offer peace, joy, and hope that we cannot get from material things. They are durable and will stand the test of time. Here are some reasons why heavenly treasures are worth choosing:

Peace: Heavenly treasures help us find peace even in difficult times.

Connection: They strengthen our connection with God and others.

Why focus only on temporal things when we can build our lives on something that will last forever? Heavenly treasures penetrate the deepest layers of our lives, and they guarantee that we will be part of something greater.

The Kingdom of God and Its Riches

The Kingdom of God is a source of wealth that never runs out. Jesus invites us to follow him. As a result, we can experience peace and love that are not dependent on temporal things. Heavenly treasures directly affect our lives here on earth. When we live compassionately and help others, we build communities where friendship can flourish.

Heavenly treasures are the promise of things that will never pass away. Death does not take away from us what is real, but opens the door to a new life of perfect communion with God.

Treasures We Can Share

One of the best things about heavenly treasures is that they can be shared. When we invest in friendship and goodwill, we can make a difference in the lives of others. We are sources of joy, and by supporting others, we can build meaningful relationships.

Earthly riches may seem self-centered, but heavenly treasures are sharing. We share love, time, and resources with others, and this strengthens our bond with one another.

Closing Thoughts

Earthly riches and heavenly treasures are two paths, but their values are completely different. Jesus’ teachings inspire us to consider what is truly important in life. By focusing on the treasures of heaven, we find meaning and peace.

Why choose heavenly treasures? Because they offer us things that money cannot buy. Heavenly treasures endure over time and bring deep meaning to our lives. Our choices affect not only our own lives but also those around us. Letting go can be difficult, but by seeking and investing in the riches of heaven, we can live meaningful and loving lives.